13 Unwashed Produce Risks Hiding in Your Kitchen

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Walking through the produce section at the grocery store can feel like a small victory in the battle to live a healthy life. Rows of colorful fruits and veggies appear to hold better meals and a more focused attention towards nutrition. Still, that glistening apple or fresh head of lettuce might be hiding some unpleasant surprises—things you don’t want on your dinner plate.

If you’re anything like most of us, you’re probably guilty of skipping the rinse, especially if you’re in a hurry to cook or snack. Unwashed produce isn’t just a little dirty; it could be harboring risks that can make for poor eating, poor health, and poor well being. Let’s get into some of the risks you may not realize you’re bringing into your kitchen, and why a good rinse of those fruits and veggies is more than a good idea—it’s a necessity.

Pesticide Residues

Pests are often kept at bay by spraying fruits and vegetables with pesticides, but those chemicals don’t just go away after harvest. The Environmental Working Group reports that many of the produce items we pick up and transport contain pesticide residues. And the list often includes apples, spinach, and strawberries. Rinsing won’t remove everything, but it will massively reduce residues, so it does make your food slightly safer.

E. coli and Salmonella

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You’ve probably heard that leafy greens like spinach and lettuce are notorious carriers of bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, which can make you very sick. They often get these germs from farming or processing. A contaminated batch can spread quickly, so wash your greens under running water and dry them to help remove these harmful bacteria.

Invisible Dirt and Sand

Yes, you won’t see dirt clods on your carrots and celery, but don’t be fooled. Soil is where produce grows, and even after you’ve brought them home, tiny particles of dirt could stick to their surfaces. Eating gritty lettuce is unpleasant enough, but soil can also contain harmful microorganisms. Sand can be rinsed off, saving you the embarrassment of serving it at dinner.

Wax Coatings

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Have you ever noticed the shine on apples or cucumbers? Often, that’s wax coating to extend their shelf life. Food grade wax is usually okay to eat, but it can trap dirt, bacteria and pesticide residues. These fruits can be scrubbed with a brush or soaked in warm water to scrub off the waxy buildup and anything beneath.

Chemical Sprays

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Some produce is sprayed beyond pesticides with preservatives or ripening agents to make it look better and last longer. For example, ethylene gas is often used to ‘speed up’ ripening for bananas. While these chemicals aren’t always bad for you, it’s a good idea to minimize exposure.

Parasites

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Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can cause stomach cramps and diarrhea, and fresh berries — especially imported ones — have been linked to outbreaks of the parasite. The NIH released a study that found washing produce drastically cuts the risk of eating parasites. Berries need this most of all, as they are easily bruised and difficult to clean.

Mold Spores

Sometimes, there can be early growths of mold on a perfectly good looking fruit. Mold spores are microscopic, and you might not notice them right away. It is especially true for soft fruits like peaches and strawberries. This risk can be minimized and your food will stay fresher for longer by rinsing and drying your produce as soon as you get home.

Cross-Contamination

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Bacteria from unwashed produce can spread to other foods in your kitchen. Can you picture putting an unwashed cucumber on the same cutting board as you’ll be cutting bread or cheese? A study from Kansas State University found that improper handling of produce is one of the biggest sources of cross contamination in home kitchens. A simple rinse of your produce can help prevent harmful germs from spreading.

Bug Remnants

You don’t necessarily see them, but tiny bugs or the remnants of them can hang out on your fresh produce. Leafy greens and herbs often carry along aphids, thrips, or mites. They’re not likely to cause harm, but most of us don’t want a side of insects with our meal. These critters will usually wash out with a good cold water rinse.

Farm Residues

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During harvest and transportation, produce comes into contact with farm equipment, bins and crates. Some of these surfaces could even carry oil, grease or other residues which shouldn’t be consumed by people. Rinsing and gently scrubbing your produce can help reduce the amount of these residues you’re ingesting.

Human Handling

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Most produce is handled by multiple people before it’s in your kitchen, let’s not forget that. Fruits picked up, put back, workers loading and unloading crates—it accumulates. Every touch increases the chance of contamination. One simple way to wash away the evidence of those extra hands is to wash your produce.

Natural Toxins

Some produce — like potatoes — can become naturally toxic when stored badly. For example, solanine, a compound that causes stomach upset, may be in green spots on potatoes. Rinsing won’t get rid of solanine, but it’s still a good step to make sure you’re checking your produce closely as you rinse it.

Leftover Fertilizers

Sometimes, fertilizers to grow produce can leave residues behind. Fruits and vegetables can cling to these chemical or organic substances. Though unlikely, a good rinse can help to reduce your exposure to these leftovers.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.